The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

VVe have this week to chronicle the advent of Bro . Edward Terry once again to the Gaiety , where lie has been received with even greater applause—if that were possible—than in any other year . Our distinguished brother appears , until Christmas , in two pieces , Sheridan ' s burlesque drama , "The Critic , " and " Young Fra Diavolo , " by Bro . Byron . The excellent company who portray these- burlesques lose no opportunity of showing their brilliant

talents , nor do the crowded audiences lose any opportunity of showing their appreciation of *" the p laying and sundry jokes . Perhaps , of the two pieces , "The Critic " was the more amusing , disclosing to lay eyes , although burlesqued , what goes on during the rehearsal of a piece . Mr . Arthur Williams , who played Mr . Puff , poured such a fund of humour into his character that it is no wonder that the whole house was in a state of convulsive laughter . Bro .

Dallas , the Earl of Leicester , of course , as always , excels . Air . Squire , Air . . ' . onkhouse , Air . Salisbury , and Air . Soutar can only have said for them that they contribute in a great way to the merriment , and then full justice is not done to them . Miss Farren , as Tilburina , and Bro . E . Terry , as Whiskerandos , are , as usual , perfection ; and Miss Connie Gilchrist , who plays the " niece , " speaks just little enough to make every one wish to see and hear more

of her . In " Fra Diavolo" Bro . Terry has more scope , as Beppo , thc black guard , to display his talents ; and , with Bro . Dallas , bears the chief burden of the extravaganza . Bro . Aleyer Lutz has selected some pretty music . The songs cannot be said to be so good as often is the case at the Gaiety , although with the freshness introduced into them by the orchestra and the company , they go down well . A very taking song between Aliss Farren , Bros .

Dallas and Terry , " 1 love my love with an A , " & c , came in for a double encore . Aliss Kate Vaughan , who is only playing in the one piece , danced most gracefully , and was greeted with cheers from all parts . Aliss Gilchrist , Lorenzo ( a man ' s character ) , which , we think , she is best suited to , also got her share of the applause . The present

programme only lasts for one week more . Bro . Hollingshead , the lessee of the Gaiety , informs the public that on the 21 st inst . the theatre will complete its fourteenth year , he having opened it on 21 st December , iSOS , and kept it open ever since , with the exception of ten weeks , or sixty nights . Against these sixty nights he has given 673 matinees , which are equal to two years and a quarter of incessant night work .

It is a pity that a new and pretty theatre , as the Novelty undoubtedly is , should have opened with such a weak piece . On account of the beauty of the house the contrast is all the greater . VVe shall not say much about "Melita ; or the Parsee ' s Daughter , " further than that there is no drama in it ; the melodies are suggestive of others we have heard before , and the dances are poor . Of the artistes , only Aliss Leslie , Aliss Burgoyne , Air . Lyons ,

Air . Hallam , and Air . Thorne need be mentioned . Ihey had poor material to work upon , therefore their results must not be judged too harshly . Air . 'Thorne did what he could to get fun out of a hopeless part , but one cannot get blood out of a flint . No doubt the management will immediately see the necessity of changing the programme . We should like to see a house in such close proximity to ourselves and Freemasons' Hall , be a success , as failure is

not known in this Alasonic neighbourhood . The new theatre , designed by Air . Thos . Verity , F . R . I . B . A ., built by Alessr ' s . Kirk and Randall , and decorated by Mr . Bradwell , cannot be too highly praised . In these days of " fire fever" a public place of entertainment , built with the latest improvements that science can suggest to defy this element , is a public boon . For the 1000 people the theatre is tocontain there are various and separate exits . The

staircases are of stone , and not winding . We were also struck with the " roominess" at the back of the dress circle , family circle , and gallery . No need for a panic here or trampling to death . The lobbies , waiting rooms , & c , are most handsomely furnished , but : the "foyer " calls for special mention . It is the most comfortable in London . Here the intervals between the acts can be passed without one being elbowed at every turn ;

the room is thirty-eight feet by twenty-two feet . The stalls are covered with peacock blue , and are comfortable . The dress circle is commodious , and occupants of this part , the stalls , and private boxes are furnished with opera glasses free of cost . Both from the first circle , amphitheatre and pit , an excellent view of the stage is obtained . The shape of the theatre is not quite of the ordinary form , being more of a square . The pit seats are numbered and may

be booked like those in the more expensive part of the house . Altogether , the comforts of the public are well looked after . There are absolutely no fees . Inducements like these we have referred should tend to promote the prosperity of the Novelty , and when we next notice it , we trust we shall have as much praise for the performance and performers as we have now for the building itself and its accompaniments .

Our readers will be pleased to notice that our esteemed Bro . W . Kendal Grimston and Airs . Kendal Grimston have returned from their long and most successful provincial tour and reopened St . James ' s Theatre with great eclat , in conjunction with Bro . Hare . At no time probably in their career have these two distinguished artistes so thoroughly succeeded in obtaining the plaudits , and exciting the admiration of a crowded auditory , by their admirable personification of two somewhat difficult

characters , which only their consummate acting has endowed with living power and overpowering reality . " Impulse " was most enthusiastically received , and , as we need hardly say , at the St . James ' s the " rr . ise en scene " was perfect , whilst the parts of the other " dramatis persona ; " were most accurately , effectively , and admirably filled . Bro . Hare ' s absence from the " playbill" was much regretted by all "habitues' * of the St . James ' s . So we say , echoing the good wishes of many , Floreat the St . James ' s Company . "

Bros . Crowder and Payne , W . M . Doric Lodge , having taken the Canterbury , are doing all they can to

The Theatres.

make it attractive to the denizens of Westminster Bridgeroad , and others from more distant parts who may be templed lo go there . VVe think it a pity the ballet does not find a place in thc entertainment , for now the Alhambra is level with the ground , there is no genuine ballet in London . A most varied and variable programme is presented to the patrons of the Canterbury ; our space will not allow of a lengthy description , but to those who like

a light sort of amusement , differing from the theatre , we can recommend this . VVe do not say it is of the most instructive or polished character , but there is nothing vicious connected with it . VVe only take exception to one thing , namely , the imitation by a little child of a drunken sailor . VVe do not like to see such things burlesqued

where not necessarily a part ol" the play , especially by a child . Otherwise , the Adeson family of five children we do not know whether girls or boys , deserve the best commendation for their clever , laughable , and eccentric entertainment . The two youngest come in for , as they deserve , the most applause . Air . Turner who plays three banjos at one time is well worth hearing .

* * * Miss Kelly , the aged actress , has not lived long to enjoy the annuity we mentioned had been allowed by Air . Gladstone out of the Civil List . Aliss Kelly died on Thursday week , at the age of ninety-four . A few days before she was visited by Bros . Henry Irving and J . L . Toole .

* * ¦ * Until the completion of the Pandora Theatre , about January , the company engaged for it will play at Her Alajesty ' s , which will open on the last Saturday of the year with "The Yellow Dwarf , " by Alessrs . Reece and Thompson . Popular prices is to be a feature of the new house .

Music

MUSIC

The second presentation , at the Royal Albert Hall , of the " Redemption " took place on Saturday last , in the presenceof a vast audience , and under circumstances which were far more favourable than on the first occasion it was produced there . The orchestra was greatly strengthened and the contralto solos were entrusted , as at Birmingham , to Aladame Patey . Of the other artistes , Aladame

Albani , Air . Lloyd , and Bro . Santley , it is unnecessary to speak ; they acquitted themselves in a manner worthy of their performance at Birmingham . Air . Barnby , who conducted , deserves every praise for his contribution to the presentation . Their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Beatrice and Christian , with their respective suites , were present .

« - ;* ;* To-day ( Friday ) an orchestral concert , at St . James's Hall , of the students of the Royal Academy of Alusic , will take place . Among the works to be produced are a rendering of the 137 th Psalm by F . K . Hattersley , and a Concertstiick , by C . S . Afacpherson , both students '; a new Concerto in B . flat , by Brahms , and Handel ' s , " St . Cecilia ' s Day . " Air . William Shakespeare will act as conductor .

WW * The programme for to-morrow ( Saturday ) afternoon ' s concert at St . James ' s Hall , will include Beethoven ' s Quartet in D major , Haydn's Quartet in G major , Chopin's Sonata in B flat minor , for pianoforte alone , and a duo Concertante by Spohr for two violins . Aliss Santley , vocalist . Executants , MM . J oachim , Ries , Strauss , Piatti , and Pachmann ( pianoforte ) . # * *

At Monday s " Pop will be given Beethoven ' s Quartet in E minor , Schumann ' s Pianoforte Ouartet in E Hat , Barcarolle and Scherzo , by Spohr , for violin , and a selection from Chopin's studies for the pianoforte alone . The same artistes will appear .

* « # The fourth concert by the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society will be given at the Royal Albert Hall , on Alonday , the ist January , 1 SS 3 . The principal artistes will be Miss Anna Vtfilliams , Madame Fassett , Mr . E . Lloyd , and Bro . Santley . Conductor , Air . Barnby . # # #

A grand Christmas performance of the " Messiah " is arranged to be given to-morrow ( Saturday ) at St . James ' s Hall , under the auspices of Bro . W . G . Cusins . Principal artistes : Afesdames Albani and Patey , Air . Alaas and Bro . Santley . Principal violin Herr Strauss . Air . Pettit will preside at the organ .

*! = * * The Mohawk Minstrels have returned to their old home at the Agricultural Hall , Islington . A special programme will be produced , as usual , at Christmas .

* * ¦ » A grand evening concert will be given to-morrow ( Saturday ) at the Burlington Hall , Conduit-street , by the students of the London Conservatoire of Music , in compliment to the principal , Air . Lansdowne Cottell .

* # * The Moore and Burgess Minstrels will make their re-appearance in London at St . James's Hall , on Boxing Day .

Science And Art.

SCIENCE AND ART .

Mr . Millais ' s picture of " Pomona , " which is now on view at . Messrs ; Tooth and Son ' s Gallery in the Haymarket , has been successfully engraved in mezzo-tint by Air . Samuel Cousins , R . A . * * # Telegrams have been received at the Radcliffe Observatory , Oxford , by Mr . Stone , directing astronomer for the Royal Society of the English Expeditions to observe

the Transit of Venus , to the effect that at the stations in Jamaica and New Zealand successful observations of the interesting phenomenon have been taken . At Brisbane clouds intervened , and prevented the . success of the observations , at which Bro . C . E . Peek assisted . Elsewhere

success has attended the expeditions sent out by different Governments , as at Alelbourne , Hartford ( Connecticut ) , in Florida , New Alexico , at Panama , and Puebla , as well as at Potsdam and Harvard ( U . S . A . ) * * *

The 1 . ords of I ler Majesty ' s Privy Council have confirmed the draft bye-laws of the Surveyors' Institution , prepared in conformity with the articles of the charter of incorporation , and adopted at a general meeting of members on the 26 th October last . The institution will now be called upon to elect a new President and Council .

* * * Mr . Arthur Lucas , of Bond-street , has recentl y published some very successful etchings by Air . David Law , after the water-colour drawings by Mr . Oswald W . Brierly , marine painter to Her Majesty , representing the Spanish Armada setting sail from frerrol , and its total defeat in the Channel by the British Fleet .

The Cmswick Improvement Commissioners have resolved on memorialising Bro . Shaw-Lefevre , ALP ., Her Alajesty's First Commissioners of Works , in favour of opening Kew Gardens to the public at 10 a . m ., instead of 1 p . m .

* * * On Tuesday their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales paid a visit to the South Kensington Museum , for the purpose of inspecting the valuable collection bequeathed to the nation by the late Mr . Jones , the gallery containing which will be opened to the public to-day ( Friday . ) They also inspected in an

adjoiningroom the latest gifts to the Aluseum , comprising a bequest of a collection of jade , crystal , and agate by the late Air . Arthur Wells , of Nottingham , and a collection of pictures , furniture , cabinets , & c , in marqueterie of the period of Louis X 1 IL , given by Air . Antrobusin accordance with the wishes of the late Aliss Alargaret Coutts Trotter , of St . Germain-en-Laye .

: S ' % & Mr . Sadler , well known as the curator of the Royal Botanical Gardens , Edinburgh , died on Saturday last . ¦ *

* * # A very useful institution is that oi" the Ladies ' Work Society , which provides work for gentlewomen whose necessities compel them to occupy their time in remunerative labour , and our readers and their lady friends who may be on the look out to buy presents for the coming festive

season will do well to pay a visit to the society ' s annual winter exhibition , now open at 31 , Sloane-street . They will see a large and varied assortment of articles , in the shape of foot-stools , music-cases , calendars , workboxes , Punch . covers , letter-cases , & c , all of which display considerable taste in matters of colour and design , and remarkable excellence in workmanship . ss * *

On Monday evening one of the ablest members of the medical profession passed away , in the person of Sir Thomas Watson , Bart ., AI . D ., F . R . S ., who was born in 1792 , and consequently had attained the ripe age of ninety . The deceased was educated at St . John's

CollegeCam-, bridge , whence he graduated as tenth wrangler , in 1 S 15 , ALA . in 1 S 18 , and AI . D . in 1 S 25 . He was elected F . R . C . P . in 1 S 26 , and became its president in 1 S 62 . For his eminent professional abilities a baronetcy was conferred on him in iSGG .

» * * Sir Frederick Lei ghton presided on Saturday evening at the distribution of prizes to the successful students of the Royal Academy of Arts , there being present very many of the Royal Academicians and Associates , together with a strong muster of the- students and their friends . Sir Frederick delivered a long address in

which he commented favourabl y upon the several competitions which , he remarked , hact in all cases but one , that for the Armitage prize , attained the average degree of excellence . The names of the successful students were then announced , and to each in turn the President handed the prize he had gained ; Creswick prize , value £ 30 , to R . O . Rickatson ; " proxime accessit " Herbert L yndon ; cartoons of a draped figure , silver medal and £ 25 to Bernard E .

Ward ; extra silver medal , Alargaret Dicksee ; first Armitage prize bronze medal and £ 30 to Horace B . Fisher ; for fresco design , an allegorical illustration of music , £ 40 to Mary Drew ; six drawings from life , first prize of £ 50 to William Carter ; model of the Good Samaritan , first prize of £ 30 to Henry Alfred Pegram ; three models from life , £ 50 , to R . T . Fallon ; architectural design for public library , a travelling studentship of £ 60 , to to VV . G . Blackmore .

# * « A general meeting of the members of the Society for Psychical Research vvas held , on Saturday evening last , at the rooms of the London Medical Society , 11 , Chandosstreet , Cavendish-square . The chair was occupied by Professor Henry Sidgwick , the President , and the attendance was very large . After a long and interesting address from Professor Sidgwick , reports were submitted for consideration on " Thought Reading , " by Professor Barrett , of the Library Committee , the " Haunted House" Committee , and the " Reichenbach " Committee , a discussion in each case following the reading of the several documents .

Thomas Edward , the Scottish shoemaker and naturalist , whose biograph y has been so graphically written by Air . Smiles , and who is in receipt of an annuity of , £ 50 from the fund at the disposal of the Oueen for rewarding literary and scientific merit , has resigned the curatorship of the Banff Museum , after having held it for the last thirty years . In accepting the resignation , the Town Council expressed their regret at Mr . Edward ' s retirement , and placed on record their acknowledgment of the valuable services he had rendered to the Aluseum . # # *

Two thousand two hundred pounds out of the sum already raised towards the Pusey Alemorial Fund has been expended in the purchase of the deceased Canon ' s library , which has been removed to Keble College , and is being catalogued .